When I decided at the beginning of 2026 that I would try to return to reading consistently, I promised myself something simple — one book a month. No pressure, no rigid rules. Just slowly rebuilding the habit that once brought me so much joy.
February, however, had other plans. It turned out to be a month that completely shifted a lot of things in life. Reading took pauses, the book sat unfinished for days, and there were moments when I almost gave up on it altogether. But somewhere along the way, I reminded myself of the promise I had made — to keep moving forward, even if slowly.
And so here I am with my second book review of 2026 and my 17th book review overall.
The book was The Inmate by Freida McFadden, and what a ride it turned out to be. A friend picked it up for me from this year’s book fair as a surprise, and I cannot express how grateful I am for such thoughtful book recommendations.
Because honestly, after finishing the last page… I just stared at the ceiling of my room in complete silence.
You know that moment when a book leaves you processing everything that just happened?
Yes. That.
***
Sometimes a thriller pulls you in slowly, and sometimes it grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go. The Inmate by Freida McFadden definitely belongs to the second category.
This was my second read of 2026, and it turned out to be one of those books that constantly plays with your expectations. Every time you think you understand what’s happening, the narrative quietly shifts, forcing you to question everything you thought you knew.
The story follows Brooke, a single mother trying to rebuild her life while raising her young son. In search of stability and a fresh start, she takes up a nursing job at a maximum-security prison. What initially seems like a step toward a safer future quickly becomes unsettling when she realizes that one of the inmates she must interact with is someone deeply connected to her past — someone tied to a crime that changed her life years ago. From that moment onward, the tension in the story slowly begins to build. What begins as a psychological thriller soon evolves into something more layered — a story about memory, fear, guilt, and how the past has a way of resurfacing when you least expect it.
One aspect of the story that I found particularly intriguing was the introduction of Tim, Brooke’s childhood friend. When he reappears in her life, he seems supportive, dependable, and almost like the one familiar presence she can lean on during such a difficult phase. But what impressed me most was how cleverly Freida McFadden writes his character. From the moment Tim enters the narrative, there’s a subtle sense of unease that lingers in the background. It’s not obvious or dramatic, but just enough to make you pause and question things. As a reader, I found myself constantly wondering whether to trust him or doubt him. That quiet tension adds another layer to the story and keeps you mentally engaged, trying to piece together what might really be happening.
Another interesting element of the novel is Brooke herself as a character. There were moments while reading when I genuinely felt irritated with her decisions as the story progressed. Some of her choices made me pause and think, “Why would you do that?” But at the same time, the narrative reminds us that Brooke is not meant to be a perfect heroine. She is a flawed, emotional, and deeply human character trying to navigate fear, trauma, and uncertainty. And perhaps that is what makes her believable.
Freida McFadden’s writing style is incredibly accessible and fast-paced. The chapters are short, the narrative moves quickly, and the suspense steadily builds with every page. It’s the kind of book where you tell yourself you’ll read just one more chapter before stopping — only to realize you’ve read five more.
And then comes the ending.
Without giving away any spoilers, the final stretch of the novel shifts the emotional weight of the story in a way that makes you reconsider everything that came before it. The revelations unfold quickly, leaving you mentally retracing the narrative to see how the pieces fit together. When I finished the last page, I genuinely sat there in silence, staring at the ceiling of my room, processing what I had just read.
That moment — when a book leaves you thinking long after it ends — is one of the reasons I enjoy thrillers so much.
What also made this reading experience special for me is how the book came into my hands. A friend picked it up for me from this year’s book fair as a surprise, and I am incredibly grateful for such thoughtful recommendations. Sometimes the best books arrive when you least expect them.
Despite the breaks I had to take while reading it, The Inmate kept pulling me back into its world. It’s gripping, emotionally charged, and carefully crafted to keep readers hooked until the very last page.
And now that this book is done, I’ve already started the next one. Touchwood — I don’t want to jinx the rhythm of reading again. For now, I’m simply focusing on quality and consistency, one book at a time.
Also, I just finished reading The Coworker by Freida McFadden right after this — clearly, I’m on a McFadden streak. Another review is coming very soon, so stay tuned.
